Former UFC Fighter Edouardo Larenas Acquitted of Murder in Laval Court
A former UFC fighter, Edouardo (Icho) Larenas, has been found not guilty of second-degree murder by a jury at the Laval courthouse. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, came after a trial where Larenas consistently argued self-defence in the death of a 17-year-old boy during a home invasion in May 2022.
Details of the Home Invasion and Trial
The jury heard evidence over several weeks, including testimony from Larenas, 45, who described being targeted in two home invasions within hours. During the early morning of May 23, 2022, Larenas testified that he struggled with one of the would-be robbers, the teenage victim, during the second invasion. He stated he did not recall stabbing the youth before kicking him away. A publication ban protected the victim's identity.
Larenas explained that he believed he was targeted due to an expected inheritance following his mother's death. The trial also involved his wife, Gladys Rosana Lopez, who was accused as an accomplice after the fact. Superior Court Justice Steve Baribeau acquitted her earlier in the trial due to insufficient evidence.
Jury Verdict and Court Proceedings
On Thursday afternoon, the jury informed Justice Baribeau they had reached a unanimous decision. When the charge was read, the foreman simply replied "not guilty." Baribeau, a former prosecutor appointed judge in March 2025, thanked the jury, calling it a memorable trial. Larenas, who was out on bail but required to follow the trial from a prisoner's dock, was allowed to leave after the verdict.
Larenas fought in UFC bouts in 2006 and 2007, with a record of three wins and two losses. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of self-defence and home invasion in the legal system.
